Mustard

Here is a detailed SEO-optimized biography for Mustard (formerly DJ Mustard) — American record producer born June 5, 1990:

Mustard – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Explore the life and career of Mustard (born Dijon McFarlane, June 5, 1990), the American producer behind chart-topping hits, his signature sound, key collaborations, philosophy, and legacy in modern hip-hop and R&B.

Introduction

Mustard, born Dijon Isaiah McFarlane on June 5, 1990, is an American record producer, DJ, songwriter, and music executive. Formerly known as DJ Mustard, he is widely credited with shaping a distinctive West Coast “ratchet” sound in the 2010s and producing numerous hit singles for major artists. His signature producer tag—“Mustard on the beat, ho!”—is instantly recognizable to fans of contemporary hip-hop and R&B.

Over time, Mustard has evolved from beatmaker to full artist and label head, expanding his creative reach and influence. In 2024, he released his fourth studio album Faith of a Mustard Seed.

Early Life and Family

Dijon McFarlane was born in Los Angeles, California.

When Dijon was about 11 years old, his uncle, Tyrei Lacy, invited him to DJ at a family party. That early exposure sparked his interest in DJing, and he began performing locally while still a student at Dorsey High School.

He was baptized around age 12 and engaged with Christian faith, which has played a role in his personal outlook.

His stage name is a play on his first name (“Dijon”) and the condiment mustard, capturing a memorable and brandable moniker.

Career and Achievements

Beginnings & Breakthrough

Mustard’s professional breakthrough came in 2011 with Tyga’s “Rack City”, a track he produced that went multi-platinum and exposed his beat style to a wide audience.

Early on, he became closely associated with YG and Ty Dolla Sign, producing many mixtape and album tracks that defined the Los Angeles hip-hop sound in the 2010s.

His production style was characterized by minimal, melodic instrumentation, crisp claps or snares, ambient “hey” chants on off-beats, and the recurring voice tag “Mustard on the beat, ho!”

Around 2018, he formally dropped the “DJ” prefix and began going simply as Mustard for all credits and branding.

Albums & Label

• His debut studio album, 10 Summers (2014), achieved moderate success on the Billboard chart.

• His second album, Cold Summer (2016), did not chart as high.

• The third album, Perfect Ten (2019), saw broader success, spawning hits like “Ballin’” (feat. Roddy Ricch) and “Pure Water” (with Migos).

• His fourth album, Faith of a Mustard Seed (2024), continues his trajectory, featuring many collaborations across hip-hop and R&B.

He also founded his label 10 Summers Records (2014), through which he has signed artists like Ella Mai, Kiana Ledé, and RJMrLA.

Recent Notable Work

In 2024, Mustard produced Kendrick Lamar’s single “Not Like Us”, which became his first production credit to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

He has also remained active in collaborations, touring, and branching into executive roles in music.

Historical & Cultural Context

Mustard’s rise coincided with pivotal shifts in hip-hop production trends:

• In the 2010s, there was a movement toward simpler, more melodic, club-friendly beats rather than dense, sample-heavy production. Mustard’s style captured and helped define that turn.

• His production tag and signature sound contributed to the branding of producers as artists in their own right — not just behind-the-scenes contributors.

• The West Coast hip-hop scene, especially in Los Angeles, benefited from his sound as one of the contemporary bearers of a modern “LA” musical identity.

• As streaming and digital platforms grew, his beats were well-suited for playlisting and viral distribution, enabling broad reach beyond traditional radio.

Personality, Style & Traits

Mustard tends to emphasize melody, space, and clarity in his music — letting simple elements breathe rather than overcrowding arrangements.

He maintains an image of groundedness and focus. His name change from DJ Mustard to Mustard reflects a maturation and confidence in his solo brand.

His Christian faith, mentioned in earlier life, seems to factor into his outlook and perhaps some of the themes in his recent work (e.g. Faith of a Mustard Seed).

As a label head, he also demonstrates a sense of mentorship and curation — signing and developing rising artists through 10 Summers Records.

Famous Quotes of Mustard

While Mustard is more known for his musical output than for public quotability, here are a few notable statements and producer philosophies:

• “You know the motto: Mustard on the beat, ho!” — his producer tag reflecting pride and identity in his sound.

• In announcing his name change: “DJ Mustard is no more. As of this month, the producer is going by the simpler mononym of ‘Mustard.’”

• In interviews, he has discussed wanting to make a sound that “can’t leave — something everybody's gonna get used to” — a sonic permanence.

Because many of his insights are buried in interviews, deeper quotes might require accessing long-form features or producer commentaries.

Lessons from Mustard

1. Develop a signature sound
   Mustard’s distinct production style made him instantly recognizable in a crowded field.

2. Branding matters
   His producer tag and name choice turned him into a recognizable “artist brand” beyond behind-the-scenes production.

3. Evolve but stay rooted
   Though he has experimented and expanded roles, he maintains core musical identity and consistency.

4. Leverage collaborations
   Working consistently with artists like YG, Ty Dolla Sign, Roddy Ricch, etc., amplified his reach and relevancy.

5. Mentor and elevate others
   Creating a label allows giving opportunities to newer talents, multiplying your impact.

6. Stay committed to growth
   Releasing four albums over a decade, shifting roles (producer → artist → executive) shows sustained ambition.

Conclusion

Mustard’s journey from a teenage DJ in Los Angeles to a leading producer and musical brand is a testament to creative vision, consistency, and adaptability. With a signature sound, chart successes, and a growing footprint as a label head and executive, he has secured his place in modern hip-hop and R&B history.